Sexual Harassment Committee (POSH)
The Internal Committee constituted under the POSH Act, 2013, its composition, and how a complaint is made and dealt with.
The school has constituted an Internal Committee under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. It receives and inquires into complaints of sexual harassment at the workplace from any woman employed at, or visiting, the school.
The committee is chaired by a senior woman employee, includes an external member from an organisation working on women's rights, and its composition meets the Act's requirement that at least half its members are women.
Composition
| Position | Held by |
|---|---|
| Presiding Officer | Senior woman employee of the school |
| Members | Two employees committed to the cause of women, or with relevant experience |
| External member | A member from an NGO or association working for women's rights |
| Term | Three years from the date of nomination |
How a complaint is handled
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Complaint
In writing to the Presiding Officer within three months of the incident, extendable for good reason. Assistance in writing it is available.
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Conciliation, if asked for
At the complainant’s request only, and never on monetary settlement.
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Inquiry
Completed within ninety days, both parties heard, principles of natural justice followed, interim relief such as transfer or leave available.
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Report and action
Recommendations to the management, action within sixty days, and the outcome communicated to both parties.
Guarantees
- Complete confidentiality of the complainant, respondent and witnesses
- No retaliation or adverse action for making a complaint in good faith
- Interim relief available during the inquiry
- The right to appeal against the outcome as the Act provides
- Annual report filed with the district officer as required
- Awareness sessions for all staff, and the policy displayed on campus
A complaint concerning a child is dealt with under the POCSO protocol, not this one. The two routes are separate and both are published.
Come and see the school on an ordinary day — call the office and we will keep someone free to walk you around.